Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  IC 4277  ·  M 51  ·  NGC 5194  ·  NGC 5195  ·  Whirlpool Galaxy
Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
M51 - my first SCT image, Andynowlen@gmail.com
M51 - my first SCT image
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M51 - my first SCT image

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
M51 - my first SCT image, Andynowlen@gmail.com
M51 - my first SCT image
Powered byPixInsight

M51 - my first SCT image

Equipment

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Acquisition details

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Description

My first image using my new-to-me Meade 10 inch SCT from the '80s. Last year I acquired the scope through the Eugene Astronomical Society. I deforked it, cleaned the inside and out and now have it on my CEM70. 

March 11 2023 with an 85% moon was one of just 4 decent nights here in the valley since the first of the year. After refining my setup a bit, I got just one hour of clear sky and managed 36 sub-frames before the clouds set in.

This M51 image is with a UVIR filter and the ASI071MC Cool camera and the f/.63 focal reducer. This makes the scope focal length 1686. I know I have to work on the stars and collimation now. I had to crop off the vignette because I didn't have good enough flats.

Everything considered I am pleased with my first-ever SCT image. Especially considering just one hour of integration.

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Sky plot

Sky plot

Histogram

M51 - my first SCT image, Andynowlen@gmail.com